Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is drawing early praise during training camp for a noticeable uptick in speed, prompting rave reviews from teammates and defensive coaches ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
Entering the fourth year of a five-year, $255 million contract, Hurts has quickly re-established himself as a focal point of Philadelphia’s preparation. While the star signal-caller has historically punished opposing defenses with his legs—amassing 3,554 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns on the ground over his first six NFL seasons—his rushing output dipped during the 2025 campaign. Last year, he posted 105 rushing attempts, 421 yards, and 8 scores, marking career lows across those major categories outside of his rookie season.
Despite those numbers from a year ago, the dynamic dual-threat talent appears to have regained an explosive gear this summer under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. Observers note that Mannion has integrated a healthy dose of designed quarterback runs into the playbook, signaling that Hurts’ rushing ability will remain a central pillar of the scheme even as the offense transitions toward a more under-center look.
Defensive Coordinators and Teammates Take Notice
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged the visible change during recent practices at the NovaCare Complex, noting that Hurts presents a constant challenge when plays break down. Because contact with the quarterback is strictly prohibited during training camp sessions, defenders are often left guessing whether they successfully secured a stop in the backfield.
“I think Jalen’s having a good camp. I think he looks faster,” Fangio said, according to ESPN. “Obviously we can’t touch him during practice so there’s always that debate whether you had him or not [for a sack] and I think there’s been a few times where our guys think they had him and they really didn’t.”
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter echoed that sentiment. Carter, who reported to camp roughly 10 pounds lighter than in previous seasons, admitted that tracking down his quarterback has proven difficult during high-speed team drills.
“I don’t know what it is but when I’m watching and I’m running [after him], it’s like a movie, it feels like I’m going slow,” Carter told the New York Post. “He be moving man, he’s been working hard and he’s the one, for sure.”
Player Response and Conditioning Context
When asked about the offseason adjustments behind his perceived acceleration, Hurts offered a modest assessment. The veteran quarterback maintained that his physical preparation has remained consistent, telling reporters that he does not “feel any different than I have felt in the past.”
Historically, Hurts ranks among the most prolific rushing quarterbacks of his era. Since entering the league in 2020, his 3,554 career rushing yards trail only former MVPs Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen among signal-callers. That baseline production makes his renewed burst on the practice field an encouraging development for an Eagles offense looking to maximize every weapon available.
What Comes Next for the Eagles
Philadelphia continues its training camp schedule ahead of the upcoming preseason slate.
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